SMELL HER :: I have always loved scents. I love nothing more than walking through the fragrance section of a department store: all the different smells and bottles are just mesmerizing to me. A scent is like a personality, you can always tell a person’s characteristics by how they smell. I was walking through a department store the other day, and a display caught me off-guard. It wasn’t the smell of the perfume that I fell for (which is what people normally fall for first, right?), but, rather, it was the name of the perfume: Signorina. Instantly, I thought of my mother. My mother always calls my sisters her signorine (Italian, meaning young girls), and my brother and I her signorini (young boys). It’s so funny how a word can completely change your mood. That day, I was stressed that I couldn’t find what my brother asked me to buy him for Christmas, my phone had died, and I was in a horrible mood. As soon as I saw the Salvatore Ferragamo sign for Signorina, I thought of my mother, and my mood changed completely. Even the bottle itself is as precious as the memories that word brings me. It looks just like a petite, charming, beautiful, young girl. And it’s pink! I love pink! Not to mention, it smells like a fresh burst of roses, patchouli (Madonna loves patchouli!), and jasmine. It’s very fresh, yet edgy and modern. And it’s pink!

I have always loved mixing fragrances: men’s with women’s, floral with musk, wood and sporty. Nothing makes me more happy than being drenched in a sea of Versace (Yellow Diamond is my favourite), Zippo (yes, they make colognes and lighters), and perhaps even the new Justin Bieber perfume for girls! I always thought it was interesting how there was a difference between what men and women should smell like. Depending on my mood, I can smell fresh and floral, or mysterious and musky. If those mean “masculine,” and “feminine,” then call me ambiguous. Don’t even get me started with how I match my body wash and deodorant to whatever scents I spray on myself before I leave my house!

Does that make scents?

April Engelberg not only knows what a hot plate is, she can use it AND created an online cooking show about it.  Pass our new Woman of the Hour our TMI Questionnaire; all hail!

JUST THE FACTS

I’m a: Taurus.

I’m:  23.

I was born: At Mount Sinai in Toronto.

I produce an online cooking show called The Hot Plate. It’s pretty fun and yes, I do get to eat everything after.

My fave colour: Lilac.

Passion: Waterskiing, music (especially country these days), cooking.

Fantasy entourage: My actual best friends, Taylor Swift, Amanda Bynes, the cast of The OC, John Mayer, Justin  Bieber, whoever writes BetchesLoveThisSite.com.

Turn-ons: John Mayer-esque qualities.

Irresistible in a mate: Same as above.

Phrase I most overuse: Saying abbreviations aloud such as “BRB, TTYLZ, GTG”. I know it’s not cool.

Most people would be surprised to know I: Came up with the idea for The Hot Plate because I was really bad at cooking and needed some basic support! I’ve gotten much better since, but I could barely make an edible stir-fry a few years ago.

Fictional best friend:  Taylor Swift and Amanda Bynes.

Talent I wish I had: Songwriting and a good voice.

When I order a cocktail I ask for: Something girly like Sangria. Amanda Garbutt (host of The Hot Plate) is helping me expand my horizons

GUILTY PLEASURES

TV: American Idol (haven’t missed an episode from any season!). This year I am rooting for Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina.

Song: “Kissin U” by Miranda Cossgrove (you will love it too).

Greatest extravagance: Making really amazing dinners.

WEAR APPARENT

Jeans: Ernest Sewn. Best jeans ever.

Footwear: Winter boots. I am always cold.

Watch: My cell phone.

Eyewear: No glasses.

Casual: Addicted to dresses and blazers.

Formal: Same as casual.

Perfume / Cologne: Allergic to perfume.

BEAUTY DUTY

Shampoo: I usually switch it up every month.

Face wash: Same.

Moisturizer: Aveeno.

Body Lotion: Same.

Indulgence: Claritin. Saves my day everyday.

GOTTA GETTA GADGET

Gadgets: Samsung Android

On my music player now:  Lady Antebellum, Taylor Swift, Zac Brown Band, John Mayer, Ivi Mairi, Maroon 5, Lady Gaga, La Roux, Cults.

I always PVR: American Idol, Glee, 60 Minutes.

CULTURE VULTURE

Last book read: George W. Bush’s Decision Points. Please note that I also read Sarah Palin’s Going Rogue, Obama’s The Audacity of Hope, Game Change by Heilemann and Halperin and The Audacity to Win by Plouffe. I enjoy trying to understand all perspectives.

Last movie seen: Bridget Jones Diary. Hilarious every time.

Last concert: The Treasures. I’m their #1 fan (tied with one of their grandmother’s who has been to as many concerts as me). They’re from Toronto so check them out for yourself!

Last play: Rock of Ages.

OBSESSIONS

Current obsession: Exploring new vegetables, betcheslovethissite.com, barbecuing, going to concerts.

Past obsession: My friend Peter’s massive rabbit fur hat.

Future obsession: Exploring new areas of Toronto.

CRYSTAL BALL

The next big thing will be:  More young people becoming amazing home cooks.

AND FINALLY …

Words of wisdom: I like to go by this poster that was always on the classroom wall in high school: “You miss every shot you don’t take”.

Check out The Hot Plate for recipes, 5-minute episodes, How-To videos and general help with your culinary confidence!

Am I the only person who is sick to death of Justin Bieber? I just find him annoying. He can’t sing now, and when his balls finally drop, he won’t be able to sing then either. I know I shouldn’t bash Canadian artists, but I’m tired of this kid being shoved down our throats by his record label. CP24 the other day had a news flash headline about him coming to Toronto. Is that news these days? I log onto YouTube and all of the top videos are of Justin Bieber. Clearly the space was purchased by his management.

This leads to Heroine Marks’ Mild Inconvenience of the Day: Justin Bieber

You offer no contribution to the music industry, and the fact that Ludacris is featured in one of your songs makes me judge him for being a sellout. What’s sick is that I have friends who think he is hot. EEEWWWWWWW! Jailbait! Justin, I don’t know who is incharge of your image, but you look like any lesbian standing outside of Slack’s on a Friday or Saturday night. You’re not tough nor have street cred. Oh, and please pull up your pants! Think of them as diapers, which I’m sure you just stopped using 4 years ago.

 What I love is the fact that there is now a blog dedicated to comparing pictures of Bieber to pictures of lesbians. Too much fun. If you haven’t seen it, check it out by clicking here .

That’s all for one day. I’m all Biebered out.

Until next time…

With love and venom,

Heroine Marks

xoxo